CG IDs member who died in training

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - The Coast Guard has identified the Coast Guardsman who died after falling into the James River near Newport News during a training exercise Wednesday.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Shaun Lin, 23, of New York fell from a ladder into the James River while attempting to transfer from a Maritime Safety and Security Team 25-foot small boat to the Coast Guard Cutter Frank Drew during a training exercise in the vicinity of the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge Tunnel Wednesday night.

An immediate search began with surface and air assets as well as a sub-surface search with local police and fire dive teams and side scan sonar.His body was recovered Thursday night in 68 degree water near the MMMBT.

Coast Guard officials say Lin had served in the Coast Guard for approximately three years.

“As we shift focus towards providing care and compassion for the family of Petty Officer Lin and his closest shipmates, I ask each of you to keep Shaun, his family, and the crew of MSST New York in your thoughts and prayers,” said Adm. Robert J. Papp, commandant of the Coast Guard, in a letter to all Coast Guard members.

The training accident is currently under investigation.

After boot camp in 2007, Lin was sent to Coast Guard Station Boston as a Fireman. In 2009 he was transferred to the Coast Guard Cutter Maui serving in the North Arabian Gulf before arriving to Maritime Safety and Security Team New York.

His awards/accolades include: two Commandant Commendation Medals, Coast Guard Unit Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, Coast Guard Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Coast Guard Sea Service Ribbon, Coast Guard Rifle Marksman Ribbon, Coast Guard Pistol Marksman Ribbon.